Outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace.
We believe “Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church” (Book of Common Prayer, page 858). We invite people of all ages to be baptized and join the Christian family! Older children and adults who want to be baptized will meet beforehand to learn about the church, baptism, and what it means to make these promises to be a follower of Jesus. When a younger child or infant is being baptized, the parents and godparents will meet to prepare to make these promises on behalf of the child.
Because baptisms are the way we join the Christian family, they always take place on Sunday mornings, during our regular Eucharist services. This allows the whole congregation to be present to welcome the newly baptized person. After the service, all are invited to celebrate at a festive coffee hour.
We never charge a fee for baptisms, but donations to the church in thanksgiving are always welcome.
If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child, please contact Fr. Bryan at [email protected].
We believe “Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (Book of Common Prayer, page 860). Even though all people who are baptized are full members of the Christian church, many people also desire to make that mature commitment in addition to the promises of baptism that were often made when the person was an infant. We invite any baptized person over the age of 13 to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church.
As a sign that a person is confirmed into the larger church and not just our parish, confirmations are performed by a bishop. This can be on an occasion when the bishop visits us here at Grace or at the yearly confirmation service that occurs each summer at the cathedral.
If you have been confirmed in another tradition, but would like to officially join the Episcopal Church, you are invited to make that commitment by being received into the church by the bishop at one of those same services.
If you are interested in being confirmed or received, please contact Fr. Bryan at [email protected].
We believe that Holy Matrimony is when two people enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows. We are fully committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Episcopal Church and specifically here at Grace, so we are happy to bless couples of any gender identity or sexuality.
Prior to the wedding, the couple will be asked to attend 3–5 premarital discussion meetings. This time will be used to prepare for the vows of marriage, discuss the service, and answer any questions the couple may have.
There is no fee for the sacrament of marriage. However, a donation to the church or gift to the priest for their time is always appreciated. Typical gifts of this type range from $150–$300. If the services of the parish musician are required for the ceremony, the fee is $200.
If you are interested in being married here at Grace, please contact Fr. Bryan at [email protected].
We believe that all people are imperfect and sometimes we sin, doing things that harm ourselves, others, or our relationship with God. We also believe that God forgives us of all of our sins, if only we ask.
Confession, sometimes called Reconciliation of the Penitent, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution.
Confession is always available on request. To make an appointment for confession or to learn more, please contact Fr. Bryan at [email protected].
